Scott Rural Assistance Bill Heads to the House

DENVER – Economically distressed rural counties may soon become a priority, rather than an afterthought, when the state renders economic assistance, thanks to bill co-sponsored by State Senator Ray Scott (R-Grand Junction) that cleared its final hurdle in the Senate today and how moved to the House for debate.

“This bipartisan bill will help struggling communities jump-start their economies by providing grant money and other forms of assistance to rural parts of the state that are lagging economically and experiencing hardship,” said Scott. Senator Kerry Donovan, a Vail Democrat, is a co-prime sponsor on the bill.

SB-5 directs Colorado’s Department of Local Affairs keep the state’s 49 rural counties foremost in mind as they determine where to direct economic assistance efforts. “Our emphasis now needs to be on expanding opportunity and prosperity for all Coloradans, not just those living along the urbanized Front Range,” added Scott, “and this bill will help ensure that our most economically distressed areas will become a priority, rather than an afterthought.”